Diego Simeone has insisted that rotation is the only way he can keep his Atletico Madrid squad competitive ahead of Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.
The Coach has yet to name an unchanged line-up in each of Los Colchoneros’ six matches this season, but he is adamant his players have reaped the rewards of his policy on the grounds that it has continually kept them on their toes.
“I’m not thinking about Real Madrid, only Villarreal,” he said at a Press conference.
“Villarreal work very well. They’re a team with many qualities and they have a very clear style. The match will be decided by small details, as it was last year.
“We see all our strikers doing very well, competing for the good of the team.
“Against Sevilla, Fernando [Torres] went off and Jackson then scored a goal, while it was Fernando who came on and scored against Eibar.
“Away from home, we have responded very well and want to carry on in that vein.
“We’re not surprised [by the greater strength of our rivals this season]. La Liga is growing, with many good squads emerging.
“Unsurprisingly, Villarreal and Celta are at the top because they’ve been playing very well. Valencia and Sevilla haven’t had good start, but it won’t be for much longer.
“[On his rotation policy], the only way to keep 20 players happy is by using them and making them realise that 20 minutes is a lifetime, 10 is a lot and so is five.”
